Sandsend sketch expected to fetch small fortune

AN ICONIC sketch of Sandsend is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds when it goes under the hammer next month.

Both the Sandsend drawing and another, entitled “Polling Station”, were created by renowned British artist LS Lowry in a period between 1940-1960.

The sketches are being auctioned at Gary Don’s, Leeds’ oldest independent auction house.

Mr Don said: “The moment I saw both drawings my heart skipped a beat.

“I probably get offered around six supposed Lowry’s every other week, all of which we’ve identified as being prints or fakes, so to finally have two come along and have them verified by experts as the real deal is something else.

“These two are both very special in their own different ways, and particularly collectable for the fact that they haven’t been seen in public for over forty years and never ever been up for auction before.”

Both sketches have remained with the same family for a number of generations, with the current owner not realising their heritage or potential value until a relative suggested they should get them valued.

The drawings are reportedly attracting interest both locally and internationally, with the auction house set to be packed with potential bidders when the drawings go up for sale on Tuesday 24 May.

Born in Manchester in 1887 Laurence Stephen Lowry became famous for his scenes of daily life framed by the architecture of industrial northern England in the early part of the 20th century.

He was appointed official artist at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and following his death in 1976, his extensive catalogue of works has become increasingly sought after, with a private collection of 21 of his paintings reaching more than £5m at auctions last year.